What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease is an Autoimmune disease – not an allergy. It is caused by the immune system reacting to gluten causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

1 in 100 people have Coeliac disease and many people are not yet diagnosed. The risk increases to 1 in 10 if you have a close relative with the condition. It occurs in people with the right genetic profile for the disease. It is closely linked with other autoimmune conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and Thyroid disease. It also affects more women than men.

How is it diagnosed?

Blood test – measures levels of coeliac-specific antibodies

Endoscopy and biopsy

What is the treatment?

The only treatment for Coeliac disease is a life-long gluten-free diet